What is Earth Hour? – The Significance and Impacts

What is Earth Hour?

Every year on the final Saturday of the month of March, from 8:20 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., millions of individuals, businesses, government entities, corporate and household turn off their lights to show support for the commitment to combat global climate change and pledge for a better planet.

Origins and progress

In 2005, Earth Hour was conceived as a reaction to findings which revealed the impact of climate change. Earth Hour first began in Australia in 2007 on March 31 at 7:30 p.m. by WWF for spreading the awareness of environmental issues of our mother earth. According to a report by World Wildlife Federation around 2.2 million homes and businesses darkened their lights to support the commitment. Since then, it has become one of the most rapidly expanding environmental movements of the world and has grown to engage more than 7000 cities and more than 110000 worldwide landmarks.

Later in 2008, it was held internationally on March 29 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. local time. It marked the first anniversary of Earth Hour. Around 35 and over 400 cities participated to support the event. Major landmarks around the world turned off their lights for the Earth Hour.

In 2012, Earth Hour headquarters moved from Sydney to Singapore following with a launch event which took place at ION Orchard on 20 February with the support of WWF-Singapore and Singapore’s Economic Development Board.

Earth Hour 2016

In 2015, Earth Hour was observed on Saturday, 19 March. It was events 10th edition. According to WWF around 178 countries and territories switched off their lights in solidarity with organization’s global efforts to combat Global Warming.

178 Participating Countries and Territories

400+ of the world iconic landmarks switched off.

3 Million+ individual actions are taken to help climate change.

28,300+ No. of people who have changed their Facebook profile picture. (Source Earth Hour Official Website)

Why is Earth Hour So Important?

Our environment is suffering from global warming, climate change, landfills, pollution, waste disposal and disforestation. This is an opportunity for communities around the world to take part in for the conservation of our environment. By getting involved in programs like it, we convey the message of reducing carbon footprint and increasing the awareness of possibilities to make our earth a better place to live. For not only our generation right now but for generations to come.

By reducing your energy consumption and taking steps to bring small changes in your everyday lives, you can make a huge effect on combating the global warming and other problems of our environment.